Lucy Mary

There are two huge problems with the UK during the heatwave -

1. It's unbearable.

2. It's even more unbearable because we don't have the luxury of air con in our homes.

As a freelancer, I WFH all day, every day, even in sweltering temperatures. And I'm here to tell you, it's not fun working during a heatwave. I'm melting; a fan just blows hot air in my face, and I'm sweating in places I never knew existed. Seriously, if I were prime minister, I'd make sure everyone gets air con fitted in their house free of charge. The high temperatures do feel punishing, especially when you're working from home. 

This does sound counterintuitive, I know. But I've seen this tip recommended by others before, and I was sceptical at first. But honestly, it does work! It may not keep the house completely cool, but it does stop the room I work in from feeling like a greenhouse. I then open the curtains when I know the sun has gone around.

I do feel like I'm stating the obvious with these tips; I know. But hear me out. Normally, even when I'm working from home, I like to dress as if I'm going to an office. It just makes me feel more put together, and it boosts my productivity and creativity! Anyway, during a heatwave, that is not always possible. When it's hot at home and I need to work, I stick to wearing sports bras and shorts. It's comfortable and doesn't require too much effort! Wearing cooling materials and fabrics is your best bet for staying cool.

Rather than putting ice lollies in my bra (not recommended), filling a hot water bottle with cold water and putting it in the freezer is probably for the best. It's great to put under my feet or behind my back while working. It's fantastic for putting on your bed before going to sleep so the bed is cool before lying on it. 

Laptops generate heat. Having one of them on your lap will bring heated, unnecessary misery. Instead, I sit at my dining table or even use a foldaway tray so I don't feel one bit of heat my laptop emits. Also, unplug your charger as soon as your laptop is fully charged; charging devices can generate heat, so unplug them as soon as any device is fully charged or has sufficient battery remaining.

The oldest trick in the book. Wet or even saturate a flannel with water and place it across the back of your neck. It will target the brain that senses and regulates body temperature, so it will trick your brain into thinking it's cooler than it is.